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No trade-offs in conditions of service in new remuneration arrangement

A new workplace remuneration arrangement for Australian Defence Force members that contains a six percent salary increase over three years is being prepared to be implemented when the current arrangement expires on 1 November this year.

Director Military Remuneration, Group Captain Jay Clarke said that the new deal was designed to be fair, reasonable and affordable. Most importantly, there would be no trade-off of conditions of service to fund the proposition.

The Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal will formally consider the arrangement and will publish their determination in October.

If agreed, the new arrangement will take effect on 2 November.

Preparation for the 2017-2020 arrangement started in November 2016, with regular briefings provided to the Chief of Defence and the Commonwealth, represented by the Australian Public Service Commission.

A team from the Directorate of Military Remuneration conducted focus groups in April and May at South Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh, Sydney base HMAS Kuttabul and Queensland base Lavarack Barracks, to find out first-hand which aspects Australian Defence Force members valued most about their employment package.

Assistant Director Military Remuneration, Deon Jooste said feedback indicated that pay was by far the most important element of the total employment package.

Flexible work arrangements were important for members starting a family or for those with young children, as were other considerations when career priorities changed.

“While some people value flexibility, others place more emphasis on career development and training opportunities, whereas others closer to retirement are more focused on their superannuation,” Mr Jooste said.